Andre Russell says he was working towards and anticipating a return to the West Indies team.

Yesterday, the Jamaican all-rounder donned the maroon against England to play his first T20I since the World Cup in November 2021.

Russell returned with a bang, picking up Player of the Match for his 29 not out from 14 balls and career-best 3/19 in four overs as West Indies won by four wickets.

On reflection, the all-rounder says he has been trying to keep fit and take care of his body, in anticipation of a West Indies return.

Russell notes that Head Coach Daren Sammy had indicated that the opportunity was there once he carried out his responsibilities for Trinbago Knight Riders in this year’s Caribbean Premier League.

At CPL 2023, he scored 145 runs at a strike rate of 161.11 and was joint leading wicket-taker for TKR with 11 wickets.

Russell adds, “I always want to play for West Indies. Sometimes people might think that it’s all about the big leagues, but I try to make sure that I look after my body and make sure that when this call up is here, I’m ready.”